Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
._. 2193948
IO
20
METAL FOUNDATION PUSH-IT AND INSTALLATION APfARATUS~AND HETHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTTON
Field of t Invention
The present in~entivn relates to structural foundations
including earth anchors for supporting airport and roadway
signs, utility poles, communication towers,.and the like and
installation apparatus and methods for such structural founda-
tions.
~ackaround
By conventional methods, a concrete foundation, also
called a concrete pier or pad, is utilized for the ins~alla-
tion of various types of structures, e.g_, signs, high mast.
lighting and utility poles, communications towers, and the
like. ~, concrete pad or pier is utilized for its mass to
provide a structural, foundation for supporting such struc-
tures.
These structures are attached to the concrete pier or pad
by means of bolts or threadea anchors which axe set to the
required elevation in a rebar~cage prior to pouring the con-
Crete in forms.
In the installation of such a concrete pier or pad by the
conventional method, site layout is performed, equipment is
deployed, the site is excavated, the spoils are removed, and a
stone sub-base sometimes is claced in the excavated hole. The
work~requires a backhoe, a trtuck, and equipment operators as
well as the engineer and one or more laborers depending on the
2i 93948
- 2 -
size of the job. Materials, such as the stone for the sub-
base, are also required. In the case of some installations,
e.g., in airport runway work, all construction debris and
equipment must be removed from the work site by the end of
each work day. '
Then pouring forms are built, a rebar mat is installed,
bolts or threaded anchors are attached to the rebar at the
required elevation, and the concrete pad is poured. This Work
requires a carpenter, a laborer, and the material, i.e., con-
Crete, forms, test equipment, bolts, and rebar mats. Again,
in the case of a~.x~port runway work, all construction debris
and equipment must be removed from the site at the end of the
Work day_
Next, the forms must be stripped, and back-filling around
the foundation takes place_ This work requires a backhoe, the
operator, a carpenter, a laborer, and materials used to back-
fill and seed the area.
The conventional method requires the concrete to cure for
about seven (7) days. Th~.s concrete curing sometimes takes
longer depending on the type of concrete used. If testings
show the concrete not to comply with a specified strength
within the first seven (7) days, then it is required to wait
twenty-eight (2B) days before any structure can be installed
upon the concrete_
Bolts or threaded anchors are used for the installation
of structures on the foundation. The structures are installed
after the concrete has tured_ Accordingly, several days are
required to install the concrete foundation and to place the
structures into operation.
In the case of airport runway uvrk, on the eleventh day,
the concrete pad is drilled to provide holes for the installa-
tion of the concrete anchors. These concrete anchors are
utilized for the installation of the anchor bolts which will
.be used for installing the airport runway sign upon the foun-
dation. The sign then is installed and energized at this time
.w, mv...m" YC::!L'~YS/U3ZS'.
- 3 -
through work performed by electricians. Accordingly, eleven
days have been required to install and illuminate the airport
runway sign.
a
From the description of the conventional method of
-S installation for a structure supported by a concrete founda-
tion, some of the majox drawbacks of the conventional instal-
lation method ate apparent. These drawbacks include prolonged
roadway area closure time in the case of a roadway sign,
utility pole, or high mast lighting pole, prolonged runway and
taxiway closure time in the case of airport signs, and lengthy
installation times. These drawbacks further include increased
labor costs, weather dependent operation, and an increased
risk of debris falling on the roadway or aircraft traffic
areas (in the case of airport installations) attributable to
the many truck trips required. These drawbacks and others are
eliminated or substantially reduced by installing a metal sign
or utility pole foundation.
INTRODUCTION TO Tf~ INVENTION
The metal foundation is structurally and geotechnically
engineered to provide the equivalent of a concrete foundation
for each specific application. The metal foundation is com-
pletely coated with hot dip galvanizing for corrosion protec-
tion. For further protection in extremely corrosive soils;
the metal foundations can be supplied as hot dip galvanized
Kith an additional overall bituplastic coating. The metal
foundation typically can include, e.g_, in one embodiment, a
length of standard schedule 40 pipe column with a number of
longitudinal fins continuously welded to the entire length and
to which a steel plate has been continuously welded to the
top.
The metal foundation is installed by a simple, yet
revolutionary method. The metal foundations are pressed into
the soil, and no excavation is required.
293948
q _
On the same day, utilizing the metal foundation and
installation method, a roadway or airport sign or utility
pole, high mast lighting pole, or communications tower founda-
tion can be set into the soil. The metal foundation provides
a top plate upon which the structure can be installed. The '
foundation's top plate is pre--drilled to accept the struc-
ture's mounting bolts. The foundation is installed in the
first hours of the work day, while in the later hours of the
same work day, the structure is installed, wired, and ener-
gized. The installation requirements call for installation
equipment, the metal foundation, and a crew of two pile driv-
ers and one operator during the first hours of the work day,
and electricians and materials in the final hours of the same
day.
The metal foundation and installation method allow the
entire installation to be performed in only one day, with one
trip to the structure installation site. In the amount of
time required to install one concrete foundation by the tradi-
tional method for airport sign foundations. eleven conven-
tional metal foundations can be installed_ In addition, all
eleven foundations would have been installed at a lower cost
and with a greater level of safety. Airfield closure time can
be dramatically reduced.
Moreover, the metal foundation can be reused. If it
becomes necessary to relocate a structure, the metal founda-
tion can be removed and reinstalled at the new location. This
removal and reinstallation provides not only a significant
cost savings, but it removes any hazard associated with aban-
doned concrete piers or pads.
Metal foundations are engineered for specific applica-
tions_ Some of these applications include high mast lighting
poles, traffic lights, roadway sign or utility poles, airport
signs, commercial signs and billboards, power distribution and
communications towers, retaining walls, and many others.
.._._._____ z ~ ~3~4$ _
The design of metal foundations is based on engineering
calculations backed by independent, registered professional
engineers and by extensive testing. For the calculations of
the structural capacities, each foundation can be designed to
-5 take into consideration the geotechnical characteristics of
the soil into which it will be installed, i.e., soil density,
shear strength, plasticity, moisture content, and grain size.
Each metal foundation can be designed to exceed the load
requirements of the structure which Will be installed upon it.
These loads are in four basic modes including (1) overturning
moment capacity, (2~ torsional moment capacity, (2) compres-
sive load capacity, and (4) uplift capacity. Deflection
limits are also calculated where applicable.
Metal foundations typically include, e.g., by way of
illustration, a length of schedule 40, A-53 cazbon steel pipe,
six inches (15 cm.) or larger in diameter. Three or four
longitudinal fins, e.g., fabricated from A-36 carbon steel
plate of the required thickness, are continuously Welded to
the pipe. These longitudinal fins are positioned 120 degrees
from each other in the case of three fins or 90 degrees in the
case of four fins. A carbon steel plate of the required
thickness is continuously welded at the top of the pipe column
and to the top end of the fins and is drilled and tapped to
accept the mounting plate of the structure to be supported by
2S the foundation_
In the case of airport signs and depending on the overall
length of the sign. two foundations may be required, and a
second "sign plate" may be required also. The length and
width of the second steel plate depends upon the length ana
Width of the airport sign as measured at its base. In the
case of more than one foundation, the "sign plate" is bolt-=v.
to the top plate of each foundation. All structural dimen-
sions are calculated on the basis of the loads to. be suppo~:~d
by the foundation.
z ~ 93~4~
Prior to attaching the airport sign to the foundation, a
plastic boot can be bolted onto the sign or utility pole
plate. This plastic boot can be approximately six inches (15 . .
cm.) larger than the sign base, and it stands one and one half
inches (4 cm.) above grade. the boot is designed and in- '
stalled to present damage e_g., damage from mowers, to the
sign.
The airport sign plate can be drilled and tapped to
accept a PvC conduit adapter which is male threaded on one end
to where it attaches from the bottom to the sign plate and fe-
male, PVC to PVC, at the other end. This enables the attach-
went of a length of PVC canduit to connect the sign to a
junction box. In the case of other structures, an opening is
provided at the top of the foundation pipe column for a con-
duit bringing electrical airing to penetrate inside the struc-
ture for actual wiring or electrical connections. These
arrangements allow easy citing for energizing the structure.
The installation of the metal foundation involves pushing
the foundation into the soil. This pushing method typically
2o uses an anchor as a reaction point. An anchor at the end of a
rod is dropped to the bottom of a shaft augered into the
ground. The anchor is pre-stressed by expanding its four
radial plates against the soil while compressing it, all done
by hydraulic force. The reaction point so established then is
utilized for pushing the foundation into the ground by hydrau-
lic forces.
After pushing the foundationwinto the soil to the desired
elevation, in the case of an airport sign foundation, a PVC
connector is threaded into the sign plate which can be factory
drilled and tapped for that purpose. The airport sign plate
then is bolted to the foundation top plats, and a plastic boot
then is bolted to the sign oz' utility pole plate. The airport
sign then can be installed on the foundation and the Wire
installed. The airport sign is then energi2ed. All work can
be performed and completed in vne day.
' 2193948
In the case of all other types of structures after push-
ing the foundation into the soil, a conduit is inserted
through a small opening at the top of the pipe coluian below
its top plate. This conduit will be used to pull electrical
~5 Wires through it so as to bring power to the structure to be
mounted upon the foundation.
Representative metal founda~ions are shown in Sero et al_
U.S. Patent No. 4,974.997 and Collins U.S. Patent No.
5,234,290. The Sero et al. patent and the Collies patent shoo
hydraulically pushing a prefabricated longitudinally-finned
cylindrical metal foundation into a pre-augered hole in the
gz~ound_ The Sero et al_ patent and the Collies patent use a
central anchor as a reaction point against which the hydraulic
cylinders work. Hydraulic cylinders pushing against an I-beam
I5 can be held down by outboard or satellite anchors.
Conventional metal foundation installation methods re-
quire a preliminary augering step, a separate crane to move
the foundation into position and to move the hydraulic pushing
mechanism into position, and a centzal anchor inside the
2o foundation, irhich anchor generally is removed after the metal
foundation is installed in the ground_
rt has been found, in accordance with the present inven-
tion, that the current technology of metal foundation instal-
lation equipment and methods requites the development of a
25 novel mobile ttruck-mounted) metal foundation installation
machine for installing prefabricated, longitudinally-finned,
cylindrical metal .foundations into the ground by pushing the
iuetal foundations through pushing forces provided by such a
novel mobile (truck-mounted) metal foundation installation
30 machine.
U.S. Patent No. 4,626,138 discloses a non-impacting pile
driver mounted on a low-boy wheeled trailer having ground
engaging means. A mast of a spaced apart pair of upright
aide-flange I-beams is adapted to have guide rails for slid-
35 ably guiding a hydraulic ram carriage. The carriage has a
w 7mvv.aw 219 3 9 4 8 F~,v$95/Q3257
'L.
sturdy transverse header for receiving the upward reaction
force of the hydraulic ram. A pile engaging element has a
configuration depending on the type of pile to be driven. The
carriage cooperates with a latch means which allows the ram to
push the pile step by step. The latch means locks the car-
riage to the mast at each of a series of locations that are
spaced apart vertically. Plunger--like latch members at each
side of the carriage are each movable horizontally toward and
from locking engagement with abutments on the mast. A double--
acting hydraulic cylinder actuates movement for each latch
zaember into the abutments on the mast which are preferably
defined by annular Collars having inside diameters ta~slidably
receive the latch members.
U.S. Patent No. 3,869,003 discloses an auger fitted in
the hollow portion of a pile to excavate the ground beneath
the pile while simultaneously forcing down the pile by a
hydraulic pressure device. A towez yr leader mast includes a
pair of reaction receiving brackets provided vertically at
suitable intervals. A pair of hydraulic cylinders push
against a structure to push the pile downward, and stoppers
engage the corresponding lower faces of the reaction-receiving
brackets.
U.S. Patent No. 5,145,.286 discloses a vehicle mounted
anchor installer and swinging truck mounted boom.
U.S. Patent Na_ 4,637,'58 shows developments in placing
an auger inside a hollow pile and rotating the auger to exca-
vate the earth in the leading end of the pile.
U.S. Patent No. 5,018,905 discloses a mobile vehicle or
truck mounted core drilling equipment including controls. The
drill bit and pipe string used to drill the bore may be used
as a piling.
Japanese 62-304868 discloses what appears to be a hydrau-
lic pile pushez driver combined c~zth earth boring and outboard
earth anchoring means. Setting and penetrating the pile and
2 ~ 93948
9
excavation is disclosed as can be performed by the same appa-
ratus, thereby permitting construction to be simplified.
Japanese 63-88557 discloses angering so that a hollow
pile can be driven without discharging soil, and outboard
anchors 52.
Japanese S3-162604 discloses a general combination with
outboard anchoring means.
USSR 774418 discloses outboard anchors 5 on support
girder 3_
USSR 767285 discloses piles 8 guided by slee~'es 9.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a
mobile metal foundation push-it and installation apparatus and
method.
It is a further object of the present invention to pro-
vide a mobile metal foundation push-it and installation appa-
ratus and method which do not use or reguire a preliminary and
separate angering step,
It is yet another object of the present invention to
provide mobile metal foundation push-it and installation
apparatus and method which do not use or require a separate
crane_
It is yet another object of the present invention to
provide mobile metal foundation push-it and installation
apparatus and method which do not use or require all the
numerous steps of moving the anchor and the foundation into
position.
Zt is another object of theypresent invention to provide
mobile metal foundation push-it and installation apparatus and
method which do not use or require all the numerous steps of
moving the anchor and the foundation into position or to move
the hydraulic pushing mechanism into and out of position.
It is another object of the present invention to provide
mobile metal foundation push-it and installation apparatus and
method which do not use or require a central anchor inside the
foundation.
i v~nv.~7J~m.7L~I
2193948
- ~o -
zt is another object of the present invention to provide
iaobile metal foundation push-it and installation apparatus and
method Which provide important advantages of efficiency and
productivity for installing metal, foundations inserted into
the ground_ -
These and other objects of the present invention will be
described in the detailed description of the invention which
follows. These and other objects of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a care-
ful review of the detailed description and from reference to
the figures of the drawings.
St7i~H~ARY OF THE INV~NT10N
The present invention provides mobile metal foundation
1S installation apparatus and method including a mobile platform,
a metal foundation holder mounted on the mobile platform, and
a push-it carriage movably supported on a toner on the mobile
platform through controllable position~.ng to push the metal
foundation holder such that hydraulic cylinders push against a
header flame held a.nd secured in adjustable side bar securing
positions on the side frame of the tower_ As the hydraulic
cylinders extend to a maximum extension, the bar can be ad-
vanced to a lower position in the side frame of the tower. ,fin
auger on the mobile platform and aligned beloN the push-i.t
2S carriage drills a hole in the ground in advance of pushing the
metal foundation into the ground in one step. Outboard satel-
lite anchors hold down the mobile platform when the foundation
is pushed into the ground. A.second auger mounted and detach-
able on a crane on the mobile platform drills holes for the
outboard satellite anchors. The second auger can swing later-
ally to dig a left or xight side outboard or satellite anchor
hole. P.n extensible satellite anchor angering guide and
anchor structural support extends and retracts on. both sides
of the mobile platfona.
l
CA 02193948 2005-12-16
IOa
According to an aspect of the present invention there
is provided a mobile pipe-column-type metal foundation
installation apparatus, comprising (a.) a mobile platform,
(b.) a pipe-column-type metal foundation holder supported
on a tower mounted on the mobile platform, the metal
foundation having a cylindrical pipe-column-type body and
longitudinal fins welded vertically alongside the
cylindrical pipe-column-type body, (c.) a push-it carriage
movably supported on the tower for providing controllably
movable positioning to the cylindrical-pipe-column-type
metal foundation holder, (d.) hydraulic pushing cylinders
on the push-it carriage for pushing against a header frame
held in adjustable securing positions on the tower, and
(e.) an auger aligned below the push-it carriage and inside
the cylindrical pipe-column-type metal foundation for
drilling a hole in the ground in advance of pushing the
cylindrical pipe-column-type metal foundation from the
metal foundation holder into the ground.
According to another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a method of installing a cylindrical
pipe-column-type metal foundation in the ground, the method
comprising (a.) providing a mobile platform, (b.) holding a
cylindrical pipe-column-type metal foundation on a tower
mounted on the mobile platform, the metal foundation having
an integral top plate for mounting a sign, high mast
lighting or utility pole, or communication tower on the
cylindrical metal foundation and further having
longitudinal fins welded vertically alongside the
cylindrical pipe column, (c.) providing controllably
movable positioning on the tower to the cylindrical pipe-
column-type metal foundation, and (d.) drilling a hole in
the ground directly below and inside the cylindrical pipe-
column-type metal foundation in advance of pushing the
CA 02193948 2005-12-16
lOb
cylindrical pipe-column-type metal foundation into the
ground, wherein the drilling and pushing are performed in
one step.
According to a further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a mobile pipe-column-type metal
foundation installation apparatus, comprising (a.) a mobile
tractor trailer flatbed platform and pivoting structural
support tower mounted on the flatbed platform, (b.) a pipe-
column-type metal foundation holder supported on the tower
mounted on the mobile tractor trailer flatbed platform,
wherein the metal foundation comprises a cylindrical pipe-
column-type metal foundation having an integral top plate
for mounting a sign, high mast lighting or utility pole, or
communication tower and further comprises longitudinal fins
welded vertically alongside the cylindrical pipe column,
wherein the metal foundation holder further comprises means
for holding and securing the metal foundation integral top
plate, (c.) at least one tower-raising hydraulic cylinder
for raising and lowering the pivoting structural support
tower from the mobile flatbed platform, (d.) a crane
mounted on the flatbed mobile platform for lifting the
metal foundation and the auger for insertion into the metal
foundation holder on the pivoting structural support tower
when extended to a substantially vertical, raised metal
foundation installing position, (e.) a push-it carriage
movably supported on the tower for providing controllably
movable positioning to the cylindrical-pipe-column-type
metal foundation holder on the tower, (f.) means mounted on
the mobile flatbed platform for pushing the metal
foundation by at least one foundation installing hydraulic
cylinder pushing against a bar held in adjustable bar
securing positions on the tower, wherein the foundation
installing hydraulic cylinder for pushing against the
. CA 02193948 2005-12-16
I~C
header frame bar is controllably adjustably held and
secured to the side frame of the tower such that as the
foundation installing hydraulic cylinder extends to a
maximum extension, the header frame bar can be advanced to
a lower position in the side frame of the tower, (g.) an
auger on the mobile flatbed platform and aligned below the
push-it carriage and inside the cylindrical metal
foundation for drilling a hole in the ground in one step in
combination with pushing the metal foundation by the metal
foundation holder into the ground, (h.) at least two screw-
type outboard satellite anchors for holding down the mobile
flatbed platform when the metal foundation is pushed into
the ground, (i.) a second auger on the mobile flatbed
platform mounted and detachable to the crane for drilling
holes for the outboard satellite anchors, wherein the
second auger can swing laterally to dig a left or right
side outboard or satellite anchor hole, wherein the
satellite anchor comprises a cork-screw-type auger anchor
or an extendable bottom plate anchor, and (j.) an
extensible satellite anchor augering guide and anchor
structural support aligned to extend and retract on both
sides of the mobile flatbed platform.
_ . . _____ 2 ? 93948 . ., ~_J.,j__
_~~_
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAfiPINGS
Figure 1 is a paztial perspective view of an apparatus
- for installing a pipe foundation in the ground in accordance
with the present invention.
' S Figure 2 is a perspective view partially showing the
apparatus for installing a pipe foundation and also showing a
pushing augering carriage With a pipe foundation and an auger
attached thereto.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the
present invention in the process of installing a pipe founda-
tion and showing a cut-away view of tHo satellite anchors.
Figure 4 is an elevation view, partially in section,
shoaling an earthen hole angered for the purpose of installing
satellite anchors in accordance with the present invention and
also for installing augers in the anchor mode without an
earthen hole, also in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 5 is an elevation view, partially in section, of
an auger utilized in the anchor mode attached to an extendably
adjustable uplift resistance assembly.
Figure 6 is an elevation detailed view, partially in sec-
tion, part~.ally shooing a hydraulic motor coupled to an augei
anchor.
Figure 7 is an elevation view, partially in section, of
the apparatus of.the present invention mounted on a truck.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention includes a novel mobile, truck-
mounted metal foundation push-it and installation machine for
installing prefabricated, longitudinally-finned, cylindrical
metal foundations into the ground by pushing the metal founds-
tions through pushing forces provided by hydraulic cylinders
mounted on the mobile, truck-mounted metal foundation push-t
and installation machine.
The present invention includes apparatus and method for
providing a novel metal foundation push-it and installation
_ . _. _ ._ _____ 2 i 9 3 9 4 8 1. "~~~~_., ~f__
machine which includes a truck,mounted crane and a tower for
holding a push-it carriage including metal foundation holder
and auger. The novel machine and method of the present inven-
tion augers a hole and installs the metal foundation in one
.5 step as the push-it carriage is pushed toward the ground.
Hydraulic pushing cylinders push against a header frame
held in adjustable side bar securing positions on the tourer,
i.e., the hydraulic cylinders push against a bar secured to
each side frame of the tower. After the hydraulic cylinders
extend to a maximum extension. the bar can be advanced to a
lower position in the side frame of the tower, and the hydrau-
lic cylinder assembly is lowered so that it can push against
the bar in its lower position.
The present invention includes apparatus and method for
providing a novel metal foundation push-it and installation
machine which includes a truck-mounted second auger used to
drill holes for outboard or satellite anchoz~s to hold down the
truck when the foundation is pushed into the ground. The
second auger~can swing laterally to dig a left or right side
outboard or satellite anchor hole. A truck-mounted extensible
satellite anchor augering guide and anchor structural support
extends and retracts on both sides of the truck_
The present invention iz~ciudes apparatus and method for
providing a novel metal foundation push-it and installation
machine and method which do not use or require a preliminary
and separate augering step, a separate crane to move the
foundation into posztion or to move the hydraulic pushing
mechanism into position, or a central anchor inside the foun-
dation.
The present invention in one aspect provides an apparatus
and method for pushing into the ground a pipe-column-type
foundation with or without longitudinal fins alongside the
pipe column_
Figure 1 shows the apparatus of the present invention,
also called metal foundation push-it and installation machine,
. 219348 _ _ ____ ____
-
13 -
in a paxtial perspective view mounted on a truck. Figure 1
shows a pivoting structural support tower in its operating
- position, its pivoting plate assembly, pivoting pin, and the
tower's pair of hydrauJ.ic cylinders with their respective
'.S piston rods extended, in the tower raising mode. Figure 1
shows a pushing/augering carriage with its reinforcement
plates, its lower pushing plate, its sliding back-plate, its
lifting bar, and a hydraulic motor for augering and the motor
augering spoils outlet. Also shown, behind the sliding back-
1o plate of the pushing/augering carriage, is a portion of three
partially extended piston rods from three respective hydraulic
cylinders (not shown). Figure 1 shows a locking dogs mecha-
nism mounted on a plate frame with wheels on its front plate.
Figure d shows, in dotted lines, an upper pushing plate behind
15 a front plate_ Figure 1 shows vertical, thrust resistance
bars on the tower's inside and cavities created by the verti-
cal bars such that a pair of locking dogs (bars) (not shown)
can lock into the vertical bars. Also shown are a winch with
its cable and its hydraulic motor, for operating the winch.
z0 Figure 1 shows a finned pipe foundation with an auger inserted
into its pipe column, both mounted on the carriage and a
flexible power track containing several hydraulic fluid carry-
ing hoses_ Also shown are several operating control levers,
two adjustably extendable truck uplift resistance assemblies
25 and angering guides, one of four truck outriggers, a level on
the truck bed, the container for transporting a remote operat-
ing control box, and several hydraulic fluid carrying hoses
and connections.
Referring now to Figure 1, metal foundation push-it and
30 installation machine 1 is provided with pushing/augering
carriage 2, which is utilized for pushing a pipe-column-type
foundation 3 into the ground while concomitantly angering an
earthen hole ahead of foundation bottom end 38 by means of
auger 4. Foundation 3 can incorporate fins 33 along side pipe
35 column 37. Foundation 3 also may be installed without fins
f~V iVrvv.rarv
219 3 9 4 8 g~,v595/032i7
33. Auger 4 extends; e.g., by way of illustration, approxi-
mately tWO feet (2/3 m.) beyond bottom end 38: Cazriage 2
having lower pushing-plate 5 pushes on Foundation ~. Lower -
pushing-plate 5 receives its pushing force from a group of
hydraulic cylinders 6, preferably three in number, shorn
through a cut-away view on Figure 2 with their respective
piston rods 8 extended, i_e., in the pushing mode. Hydraulic
cylinders 6 are mounted on lower pushing plate 5 behind slid-
ing back-plate 7. Sliding back-plate 7 is attached to lower
to pushing-plate 5 and is provided with wheels (not shown) which
roll inside channel 24 of tourer 15 on both sides to allow for
a smooth up/dawn movement of carriage 2_
Continuing to refer to Figure l, piston rods 8 push
upwardly against upper plate 9. Piston rods 8 are attached to
Z5 upper plate Which is part of frame 10. Frame 14 is a rigid,
box-like frame made of thick steel plates. Frame 14 houses a
set of two locking dogs, i.e., locking steel bars (not shown).
Locking dogs operating mechanism 11 operates the locking dogs
(not shown) by means of hydraulic cylinder 12_ Locking dogs
20 mechanism 11 moves the locking dogs sideways into cavities 13
created by thrust resisting bats 14 Which are vertically
mounted on tower 15, i.e., structural frame 15. Cavities 13
are spaced at equal intezvais of approximately three feet (1
m_) on each side from the top of structural frame 15 down to
25 its bottom. Cavities 13 are the spaces created between each
of two vertically adjacent thrust resisting bars 14. The
locking dogs mechanism ll is mounted on fralae 10. An opera-
tor, by means of one of several control levers 16 or from a
remote control box (not shown), actuates hydraulic cylinder 12
30 which operates the locking dogs mechanism 11.
Structural support tower 15, shown in the working mode,
i_e., vertically, is provided with a pair of hydraulic cylin-
ders 21 with its piston rods 22 for collapsing tower 15 back
onto truck bed 23 for transportation purposes. Raising oz
2 ~ 93948
- ~S -
lowering tourer 15 is performed by an operator using levers 16
or from a remote control box.
Operating the locking dogs mechanism by the operator
refers to making hydraulic cylinder 12 force the locking dogs
(Locking bars) into cavities 13 on both sides of tower 15 so
that piston rods 8 can push against upper plate 9_ Piston
rods 8 push against upper plate 9, Nhich is part of frame 10,
which in turn houses the locking bars (not shown). The upward
thrust of hydraulic cylinders 6 (Figure 2) is effectively
transferred by means of their piston rods 8 onto structural
tower 15 by means of the toner's thrust resisting bars 14_
These bars are approximately three feet (1 m.) in length and
are installed vertically on both sides.of the tower 15 at
equal intervals from top to bottom, thereby leaving a space
between each two cavities 13, i.e., vertically, at equal
intervals on both sides of toNer 15 from tap to bottom.
Thrust resistance bars 14 are firmly attached to tower i5,
preferably by weldments.
Hy transferring the powerful, upwardly pushing force of
hydraulic cylinders 6 (Figure 2) by means of their piston rods
B onto tower IS (which cannot move up or doWn), pushing/aug-
ering carriage 2 can slide downwardly on tower 35.
Pushing/augering carriage 2 will actually receive the result-
ing pushing force of hydraulic cylinders 6 because bottoms 17
(Figure 2) of hydraulic cylinders 6 rest upon and are firmly
attached to the back end 18 (Figure 2) of lower pushing plate
5. Hydraulic cylinders 6 are positioned behind sliding back-
plate 7, which together with reinforcement plates 19 and lower
pushing plate 5 form the pushing/augering carriage 2.
The pushing force provided by hydraulic cylinders 6
(Figure 2) by means of their piston rods 8 and exerted on
pushing/augering carriage 2 pushes foundation 3 into the
ground. Hydraulic fluid carrying hoses 25 connect hydraulic
cylinders 6 (Figure 2) to the system's hydraulic pumps 85
(Figure 7) mounted on the front end of truck bed 23.
2 3 93948 - __ ____.____
is -
Pushing/augering carriage 2 has hydraulic motor 24 mount-
ed on the top surface of its lower pushing plate 5. Hydraulic
motor-24 provides the power for angering an earthen hole by '
means of auger 9, ahead of the advance of bottom 38 of founda-
tion 3, into the soil as foundation 3 is pushed downward into
the ground by pushing/augering carriage 2.
Hydraulic fluid carrying hoses 34 connect hydraulic motor
24 to the push-it machine's hydraulic pumps 85 (Figure 7)
mounted on the front end of truck bed 23. Hydraulic hoses 34
to are mounted on flexible power track 36, which flexes as car-
riage 2 moves up or down.
Hydraulic motor 24 is provided with angering spoils
outlet 35 for the purpose o~ expelling soils removed during
angering Which takes place during the process of pushing
~ foundation 3 into the ground. Pushing/augering carriage 2 is
also provided with lifting means for lifting pushing/augering
Carriage 2 back after foundation 3 has been pushed into the
ground and for holding pushing/augering carriage 2 in place
when required. Lifting bar 26 is attached to winch cable Z'7,
and cable 27 is attached to winch 28 which is installed.at the
top end of structural support tower 15, Hydraulic motor 29 'is
utilized for powering winch 28, and it is operated by one of
control levers 16 or from a remote control box (not shown).
Hydraulic fluid carrying hoses 30 connect hydraulic motoz 29
Z5 to the systeia's hydraulic pumps 85 (Figure 7) mounted on the
front end of truck bed 23_
Frame 10 containing locking dogs mechanism 11 is provided
with four wheels 3l. Two of these wheels 31 roll on outside
face 32 on both sides of structural support towez 15. The
~0 other two wheels 31 (not shown) roll inside channel 20, also
on both sides of tower 15.
During test runs of push-it machine 1, it Was found that
push-it machine 1 could push into the ground small size
foundations. Nevertheless, for larger size foundations, the
35 weight of the apparatus including the truck was a factor in
. _ _ ._____ YL::LJyJJUlZS:
- 17 -
respect to holding down push-it machine 1. Therefore, the
present invention also provides novel extendably adjustable
truck uplift resistance assembly 39.
Extendably adjustable uplift resistance assembly 39 is
-.5 utilized for attaching metal foundation push-it and installa-
tion machine 1 by bolting down to conventional outboard earth-
en anchors 57, e.g., such as described in U.S. Patent No.
4,843,785 and for guiding an auger for augering an earthen
hole for setting earthen anchors 57 therein. Pushing/augering
1.0 carriage 2 with its hydraulic motor 24, frame 10, including
the locking dogs mechanism 11 with its hydraulic cylinder 12
and locking dogs (bars) (not shown), hydraulic cylinders 6
(Figure 2), winch 28 with its hydraulic motor 29, and poser
track 36 axe all installed on the structural support pivoting
1S tower 15 which itself is structurally reinforced by bracings
41. Tower 15 is a pivoting tower, i.e_, it can be swung back
onto truck bed 23 for transportation purposes and can be
raised again by means of hydraulic cylinders 21, pivoting
plate assembly 42, and pivoting pin 43. The operator raises
20 and lowers tower IS by means of levers 16 or by means of a
remote control box (not shown).
A hydraulic boom lift 48 (Figure 4), e.g., such as in one
embodiment a crane lifting ana, is installed on the truck bed
23 for the purpose of lifting into position foundation 3,
25 auger 9, and any other equipment as needed.
To provide personnel safety as well as machine safety,
the present invention provides safety pins 44 and safety
switch 45. When tower 15 is raised to its working position,
i.e_, vertically, the operator inserts safety pin 44 into its
30 safety position, which activates safety switch 45; which in
turn deactivates the raise/lower function that operates the
hydraulic cylinders 21. This operates to prevent the operator
from accidentally pushing a control command that could make
hydraul~.c cylinders 21 lower tower 15 while a foundation 3 is
35 being pushed into the ground.
. ..___._____ 2a 939a.a .~"u,.".._..-
- 18 -
Steel container 40 is provided for transporting the
remote control box and for storage when not being used.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the augering and push- -
ing carriage assembled on a structural support tower. Figure
2 shows a lower pushing plate with a foundation attachment
device on its underside, a fanned-pipe foundation attached
thereto, and an auger installed inside the pipe column and
attached to a hydraulic motor (not shown). Also shown on
Figure 2 through a cut-away perspective view are three hydrau-
IO lic cylinders behind the carriage-sl~.d~.ng back-plate. The
bottoms of the hydraulic cylinders are attached to the loc~er
pushing plate, and their piston arms, e.g., piston rods, are
extended upwardly in the operational mode, i.e., the upwardly
pushing mode. Figure 2 shows hydraulic fluid carrying hoses
connected to hydraulic cylinders. In addition, Figure 2 shoes
thrust resistance bars vertically installed on the tower and
cavities created by the spaces between each two vertical
thrust resistance bats.
Referring now to Figure 2, top-plate 46 of foundation 3
attaches to the underside of lower pushing plate 5 of
pushi.ng/augering carriage 2 by means of foundation attachment
device 4?, while auger 4 attaches by means of a hexagonal
socket (not shown) to a hexagonal power shaft (not shown) from
hydraulic motor 24 IFigure 1) which protrudes through the
underside of lower pushing plate 5.
Foundation attachment device.97 is provided with adapter
plate 49, which is utilized when~smaller size foundation 3
(with or without fins 33) are.to be installed by metal founda-
tion push-it and ~.nstallation machine 1: Adapter plate 49 is
easily removed by unbolting i,t and then lifting it by means of
onboard, hydraulic boom lift 48 iFigure 4) and lifting eye 50.
The process of mounting foundation 3 on the underside of
carriage 2 by means of attachment device 4~ is simplified by
utilizing boom lift 48 (Figure 4). Firstly, auger 4 is at-
tached to the hexagonal power-shaft (not shown) of hydraulic
2 t 9 3 ~ 4 8 . __. _~______..
- 19 -
motor 24, also by lifting it and holding it in place until it
is attached by means of hydraulic boom lift 48 {Figure 4).
. Secondly, foundation 3 is lifted also by boom lift 48 and
placed over auger 4, whereby auger 9 passes through the inside
- 5 of foundation 3 pipe column 37. Then, while holding founda-
tion 3 in the required position until it is attached, top
plate 46 is firmly attached by means of foundation attachment
device 47 either to adapter plate 99 and lower pushing plate
S, if it is a smaller foundation, or directly to lower pushing
plate S, if it is a larger foundation, also by means of at-
tachment device 47. In both cases, the attachment is done by
bolting. the attaching of foundation 3 onto pushing/augering
carriage 2 by means of attachment device 47 preferably is done
with tower 15 in the horizontal position, e.g., such as by
laying down on the truck bed.
Pushing/augering carriage 2 comprises lower pushing plate
5, two side reinforcing plates 19, and sliding back-plate 7
which rests on and is attached to the back end 18 of lower
pushing plate 5 and which has wheels on its back side {not
shown) that roll inside channel 20 provided on both sides of
tower 15 to allow the entire cazriage to move smoothly up and
down. In addition, the pushing/augering carriage 2 is pro-
vided with a foundation attachment device 47 and a powerful
hydraulic motor 24 (Figure 1) for rotatably powering auger 4.
The bottoms 17 of hydraulic cylinders 6 are attached to
lower pushing plate 5 onto its back end 18 to transfer
downwardly onto caxriage 2 the-pushing force exerted by their
piston arms 8 against thrust resisting bars 14. Thrust re-
sisting bars 14 are vertical bars on both sides of tower 15
which resist the upward push of piston rods B as they are
extended upwardly, out of hydraulic cylinders 6, by hydraulic
fluid pumped into the hydraulic cylinders at an operator's
commands.
Hydraulic cylinders 6 az~e operated by the opexator by
means of control levers l6 or by a remote control box {not
219 3 9 4 8 r. , m~»,o.71~7
- 20 -
shown). All hydraulic and electrical operating functions of
the apparatus of the present invention, including the hydrau-
lic boom lift 48 (Figure 4), are controlled by the opezator by '
means of control levers l~ or by means of the remote control
box_ Boom lift 48 is also operated from control levers SS
(Figures 9 and 7).
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the
present invention mounted on a truck in the process of in-
stalling a conventional metal foundation into the soil.
Figure 3 shows two conventional satellite outboard earthen
anchors as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,893,785. Figure 3
shows the conventional metal anchors set into the soil and
pre-stressed, i.e., with their outwardly swingable compaction
and consolidation plates already swung outwardly into the
soil. It shows the conventional earthen anchors attached to
respective extendabiy adjustable uplift resistance assem-
blies/augering guides by means of respective uplift resistance
plates and nuts. Figure 3 shoWS a pivoting structural support
tower in its working position, its pivoting plate assembly
pivoting pin, and the tower's pair of hydraulic cylinders with
their respective piston rods extended in the tower raising
mode. Figure 3 shoWS a pushing/augering carriage with its
reinforcement plates, its lower pushing-plate, its sliding w
back-plate, and its lifting bar. Figure 3 shows a hydraulic
ZS motor for augering and its augering spoils outlet. Also
shown, behind the sliding back-plate of the pushing/augering
carriage, is a portion of thzee partially extended piston rods
from three respective hydraulic cylinders (not shown)- Figure
3 shows a locking dogs mechanism mounted on a plate frame with
wheels on its front plate and rolling against the face of the
structural support tower. Also shown in dotted lines behind
the front plate is an upper pushing plate. Figure 3 shoos
vertical thrust resistance bars on the towez's insides and .
cavities created by the vertical bars for a pair of locking
dogs (bas) (not shown) to penetrate and lock into. rt shows
z~9394s
- 21 -
a winch with its cable and its hydraulic motor for operating
the winch. In addition, it shows a finned pipe foundation
with an auger inserted into its pipe column. both mounted on
the pushing/augering carriage. Figure 3 shows a flexible
power track for holding several hydraulic fluid-carrying
hoses. It shows several operating control levers, two extend-
ably adjustable, uplift resistance assemblies with angering
guides, one of four truck outriggers, a level on the truck
bed, a container for transporting a remote-operating control
box (remote control box not shown) and several hydraulic fluid
carrying hoses and connections.
Referring now to Figure 3, a conventional finned pipe
foundation 3 is shown in the process of being installed in the
ground by metal foundation push-it and installation machine 1
of the present invention. Foundation 3 is shown already
partially pushed into the soil_ Foundation 3 can have a
plurality of fins, or can be w~.thout f~.ns, i.e.. a pipe column
with a suitable top plate 49 (Figure 2) attached to it, gener-
ally by weldments. When the foundation installation process
begins, tower 15 is preferably lying horizontally on the truck
bed 23 (Figure 7). The operator by means of an on board.
hydraulically operated boom lift 98 (Figure 4) picks up auger
4 and attaches it to hydraulic motor 24 from the underside of
lower pushing plate 5. Hydraulic boom lift 48 (Figure 4) has
its own hydraulic cylinder 56. Auger 4 is provided with a
conventional kelly bar, hexagonal~adapter and pin tboth not
shown) to couple auger 4 to the hydraulic motor's hexagonal,
power shaft (both not shown).
The hydraulic boom Lift 48 (Figure 4) is mounted on truck
bed 23 at the opposite end to tower 15 pivoting point 43.
After auger 4 is attached and secured to hydraulic motor
24 located on the pushing/augering carriage 2, the operator
proceeds to pick up foundation 3 by means of the hydraulic
boom lift and attaches foundation 3 to the underside of lower
pushing-plate 5 of carriage 2 by means of foundation attach-
2 l 9 3 9 4 8 r~'rNS95103257
22
went device 47 (Figure 2). Larger size foundations do not
require adapter plate 49_ When the foundation 3 and auger 4
through its pipe column 37 are firmly attached to the under-
side of pushing augering carriage 2. Next, the operator
raises tower 15 from its horizontal position on truck bed 23
to its working position, i.e., vertically, by means of control
levers l6 or the remote control box. The hydraulic pumps 85
(Figure 7) are powered by diesel engine 51, and they are
provided for powering all the hydraulic cylinders on metal
foundation push-it and installation machine 1. Hydraulic
pumps 85 (Figure ~) are mounted on the same area of the truck
bed 23 as diesel engine S1.
The hydraulic operating functions are.operated from
control levers 16 or from a remote control box (not shown)
connected to control levers 16 via an umbilical cord (not
shown). The hydraulic operating functions of boom lift 48
(Figure 4) and front end outriggers 52 can also be operated
from control levers 55.
The operator then must determine whether or not to in-
stall satellite earthen anchors 57 to prevent metal foundation
push-it and installation machine 1 from being lifted off the
ground When operating to push foundation 3 into the soil. The
operator will make that decision based on the size of the
foundation and further based on the physical characteristics
of the soil from soil tests results available to the operator.
Foundations are designed specifically for supporting
loads. The loads.to be supported by any foundation and the
physical characteristics of the soil where the foundation will
be installed determine the site of the foundation and the
depth at which it will be pushed into the soil.
Conventional industry practice makes it standard proce-
dure for a foundation contractor to know the physical
characteristics of the soil. before a foundation is installed.
For harder soils or longer foundations, greater is the
force required to push the foundation into the soil. In the
r .. vJ~JIVJN a
,~
23 _
process of pushing the foundation downwardly, piston arms 8 of
hydraulic cylinders 6 (Figure 2) push up~rard against frame l0
which tends to lift metal foundation push-it and installation
machine 1 o.ff the ground because frame l0 is locked onto toner
~.5 15 by means of its locking dog bars. The present invention
provides methods and means to prevent the uplifting of the
metal foundation push-it and installation machine 1 when
required. For smaller foundations in soils which are not too
hard (accordingly to well known, standard soil classifica-
tions), metal foundation push-it and installation machine 1
will push foundation 3 into the soil without requiring in-.
stalling conventional satellite earthen anchors 57.
Continuing to refer to Figure 3, the operator drives the
truck so as to locate auger 9 and foundation 3 over the cor-
sect location where foundation 3 gill be installed by the
apparatus of the present invention. The operator then pro-
ceeds to lift the truck off its tires and to set metal founda-
tion push-it and installation machine 1 to a leveled position
by extending truck front outriggers 52 and truck rear outrig-
gers 53 by means of Control levers 16 or the remote control
box. The operator watches level 54 to bring the apparatus of
the present invention to a leveled position.
This is the method the operator applies for pushing a
foundation do~rn ~,ato the soil. The operator lowers pushing/-
angering carriage 2 to a point where the tip 58 of auger 4 is
very close to the soil. The operator by means of the remote
control box or via control levers 16 operates hydraulic cylin-
der 12 by extending its piston rod to make the locking dogs
mechanism 11 pull the locking dogs (bars) (not shown) out of
cavities i3 on both sides of tower 15_ By unlocking the bars
out of cavities 13, frame l0 is free to move on wheels 31
which roll on the face 32 of tourer 1S and on wheels (not
shown) Which roll inside channel 20.
When the locking bars from locking dogs mechanism 11
unlock out of cavities 13, pushing/augering carriage 2 carry-
219 3 9 4 8 ~~,.~~r~,~,«,
-- - 29 -
ing hydraulic cylinders 6 on the back end 18 (Figure 2) of its
lower pushing plate 5 and frame 10 attached to piston rods B
is free to move on its Wheels snot shown) which roll inside
channel 20 (Figure 2). Nevertheless. pushing/augering car-
s riage 2 cannot move down because it is firmly held in place by
cable 27 of Winch 28. If it was not held in place, it would
rapidly fall. Now the operator from the remote control box or
via control levezs 16 operates cylinders 6 (Figure 2) and
makes the respective piston rods 8 retract into the respective
cylinders 6, thereby pulling down to a lower position frame 10
which contains the locking dogs mechanism 11 and the locking
dog bars (not shown).
Then the operator from the remote control box or from
levers 16 reverses the flow of hydraulic fluid in cylinder 12'
making its piston rod retract which, in turn, by means of
locking dog mechanism lI forces the locking dogs bars into a
new set of cavities 13 at the lower position frame 10 was
pulled down to by piston rods 8 when they were made to retract
into their respective cylinders 6 (Figure 2) by the operator.
2o One end of the locking bars (not shown) then has pene-
trated into respective cavities 13, one at each side of tower
15. The other end (not shown) is firmly attached to the
iocki.ng dogs mechanism 11 and therefore to frame 10. Cavities
13 are made of each set of two thrust resisting, vertically
attached bars 14. Therefore, by moving the locking bars into
this new set of cavities 13, frame l0 cannot move up or down.
Frame 10 is immobilized i.n that'position.
Now the operator can make cylinders 6 (Figure 2) via
their respective piston rods 8 push against this fixed, immo-
bilized frame 10. But first, the operator releases winch 28
via the remote control box or via control levers 16 to allow
pushing/augering carriage 2 to move because of the push ex-
erted by piston rods 8 against upper pushing plate 9. Car-
riage 2 cannot free-fall because the dogging bars are now
wu yoruu.s~c 219 3 9 4 8 ~' I/USy~nW J5~
~. - 25 _
locked in a new set of cavities 13, thereby to pzevent free-falling.
The operator now lowers pushing/augering carriage 2 by
means of the remote control box or levers 16. The operator
activates hydraulic cylinders 6 (Figure 2), i.e., to make
hydraulic fluid flow into the cylinders in the direction that
pushes their respective pistons rods 8 out of their respective
cylinders. Because piston rods 8 are firmly attached to upper
pushing plate 9 of frame l0 and because frame 10 is locked in
place by its locking dog (bars) preventing frame 10 from
moving, the pushing force of hydraulic cylinders 6 (Figure 2)
is exerted on the pushing/augering carriage 2, effectively
pushing it downwardly-
If the pushing/augering carriage 2 with foundation 3 and
auger 4 attached to it are farther up on tower 15, more than
one lowering cycle may be required because on each lowering
cycle, pushing/augeririg carziage 2 can only be lowered fo= a
distance equal to the distance between cavities 13, e_ g.,
such as, approximately three feet (1 m.). This distance bears
a relationship to the maximum stroke provided by hydraulic
cylinders 6 (Figure 2), .i.e., the maximum length piston rods 8
can extend out of their respective cylinders 6.
Now, therefore, the augering/pushing carriage 2 with
auger 4 and foundat~.on 3 attached to the carriage have been
lowered to a point where the tip 58 of auger 9 is very close
to the soil. By repeating these pushing cycles, the founda-
tion is pushed into the soil if it Was a smaller foundation or
softer soils not requiring uplift resistance means.
Next the operator proceeds to set in the soil tuo conven
tional outboard satellite earthen anchors 57 all in accordance
with the apparatus and methods described in U.S. Patent No.
4,843,785. These earthen anchors 57 are to be attached to the
novel extendably adjustable uplif t resistance assembly 39
provided by the present invention.
When two satellite anchors 57 aze set in the soil and.
their outwardly swingable compaction and consolidation plates
2 ) 9 3 9 4 8 ~°= ~''L'595103~~7
-- 2 6
S9 have been outwardly swung, i_e., stressed against the soil
in earthen hole 67 and pzior to removing their installation
apparatus (nat shown), uplift resistance nut 60 is tightened
against uplift resistance plate 61 set upon guide 62. Uplift
resistance nut 60 threads on threaded rod 63 of conventional
earthen anchor 57 Which, in turn, holds spreader cone 64 in
place which, in turn, keeps outwardly swingable compaction and
consolidation plates 59 stressed against the soil, i.e.;
exerting great force against the soil. Each earthen anchor 57
has four such plates 59 at approximately ninety degrees from
each other (four of such plates are not shownl_
Exteridably adjustable uplift resistance assembly 39 is
comprised of structural arm guide 65, adjustable sliding arm
66, angering guide 62, and a pain of hydraulic cylinders (not
i5 shown) inside structural arm guide 65. Such hydraulic cylin-
dezs are utilized by the operator to extend the adjustable
sliding arms 66 to the desired position ~rhere earthen anchors
57 are to be placed. Such hydraulic cylinders are: operated
from the remote control box of from control levers 16.
Whe~i tuo satellite anchors 57 are stressed against the
soil and firmly attached to uplift resistance assembly 39 by~
means of uplift resistance nut 60 and uplift resistance plate
61. metal foundation push-it and installation machine 1 is
ready for pushing foundation 3 into the soil by means of
z5 pushing/augering carriage 2.
As pushing/augering carriage 2 pushes downwardly founda-
tion 3, auger 4 augers an earthen hole ahead of the advance of
bottom end~38 of foundation 3linto the soil. Auger 9 extends
approximately two feet (2/3 m.) beyond bottom end 38 of foun-
dation 3_
The force exerted by piston arms 8 of hydraulic cylinders
6 (Figure 2)~ on top plate 46 of foundation 3 is resisted by
the soil the foundation is being pushed in. The resistance is
transmitted to toner 15 via the locking dog bars contained in
frame 10, pushing against thrust resistance bars 14. This
' ~ 19 3 9 4 8 . ~ . ~~.~.~~. . ,
27
soil resistance is greater than the downward force provided by
the weight of push-it machine 1. and therefore; the force
provided by hydraulic cylinders 6 would uplift the push-it
machine 1 for larger foundations or for hard soils_
Nevertheless. this uplift is resisted by the novel,
extendably adjustable uplift resistance assembly 39 which is
anchored to the soil via twa satellite earthen anchors 57_
The uplift resistance capacity of the uplift resistance assem-
bly 39. when attached to earthen anchors 57 and the pushing
force provided by hydraulic cylinders 5 (Figure 2). are indi-
vidually greater than the resistance the soil can exert
against the push of foundation 3 into it, and therefore.
foundation 3 is effectively pushed into the soil by piston
rods 8 of hydraulic cylinders 6 (Figure 2).
Foundation 3 is pushed at intervals of approximately
three feet ll m.) at a time because of the maximum stroke
length provided by hydraulic cylinders 6.
After each pushing interval, the dogging bars have to be
disengaged by means of hydraulic cylinder l2 and mechanisms 12
from cavities 13. Frame IO which contains the dogging bars
must be lowered by retracting piston arms a back into their
respective hydraulic cylinders 6. Piston arms 8 are firmly
attached by weldments or by other means to frame 10. For that
reason, piston arms 8 pull down frame 10 when they retract
into their respective cylinders 6. Frame 10 is pulled down to
the top end of sliding plate 7, and at that level, the opera-
for re-engages the dogging bars into a neW set of cavities 13
and releases winch 28. NoW anew do~rnwardly pushing cycle can
commence. All operations ate commanded by the operator either
from control levers I6 or from a remote control box connected
to metal foundation push-it and installation machine 1 by a
conventional umbilical cord (not shown).
After the foundation has been pushed into the soil,
earthen anchors 57 are removed by the operator with the help
of the onboard boom lift.
2 i 9398
Z8
Figure 4 is an elevation view, partially in section,
showing an auger in the process of augering, i.e., boring, an
earthen hole, a portion of an extendably adjustable sliding
arm, an augering guide, and a hexagonal coupling attached to
,5 . the auger's kelly bar and connected to a hydraulic motor and a
safety pin. Also sho~,rn i,s a pivoting plate assembly attached
to a hydraulic boom lift. The boom lift mounted on a flatbed
truck, control levezs to operate the boom lift and a front
outrigger, are also shown.. Figure 9 shows the augers cutting
head and augering teeth and hydraulic fluid carrying hoses.
Referring now to Figure 4, the present invention. provides
the method and on board means for boring earthen holes G7 re-
quired for installing earthen anchors 57. The present inven-
tion provides hydraulic motor 68 for poueri.ng conventional ,
auger 69 which is utilized for augering earthen hole 67.
Auger 69 is provided with cutting head 70 and augering teeth
71. Auger 69 is attached to hexagonal power shaft 72 of
hydraulic motor 68 by means of hexafonal coupling 73 and pin
79. Coupling 73 is attached by Weldments to auger 69 kelly
bar 75.
Hydraulic motor 68 is provided with attachment plates 77
which attach to boom lift 48 by means of attachment plate
assembly 76 and pin 78. Hydraulic fluid is pumped to and from
hydraulic motor 68 through hydraulic hoses 79. The operation
of hydraulic motor 68 is controlled by the operator from
control levers 16 (Figure 1 and 3) or from the remote control
box.
The operator picks up auger 69 by means of boom lift 98
and places it through augering guide 62 of the extendably
adjustable uplift resistance assembly 39. Adjustable sliding
arm 66 has been extended first to the required position by the
operator. Next, the operator lowers boom lift 48 by means of
control levers 16 or 55 to a point Where the operator keeps
the hydraulic motor 68 on truck bed 23 and manually attaches
2193948 ~v~~4JJJIV.Ly
~ _ 29 _
hydraulic motor 68 to the attachment plate assembly 76 of boom
lift 48 by means of pin 75.
The operator now moves boom lift 48 carrying hydraulic
motor 68 in such a manner to insert the motor's hexagonal
power shaft 72 into coupling 73. Generally, an operator and a
helper are utilized for all the operations of metal foundation
push-it and installation machine 1. Next, the auger 69 is
secured to the hydraulic zaotor 68 by means of pin 79.
The operator now verifies the plumb of auger 69 by means
IO of a conventional level to assure a vertical earthen hole 67
is bored by metal foundation push-it and installation machine
1. Augering guide 62 helps to maintain augez 69 in a vertical
position.
Now the operator augers the earthen hole to the required
depth by operating hydraulic motor 68 and applying some down-
ward pressure from boom lift 48 upon hydraulic motor 68. When
boring is complete, the operator reverses the rotation of
hydraulic motor 68 and lifts it, thereby carrying the auger 69
along wzth it out of earthen hole 67. All of these operations
are commanded from control levezs 16 or from a remate control
box (not shown) _
The entire operation is repeated for the.second earthen
hole 67 required for the second earthen anchor 57. Then auger
69, hydraulic motor 68, and attachment plate assembly 76 can
be removed from boom lift 48.
Figure 5 is an elevation view, partially in section, of
an auger screed into the soil to be utilized as an earthen
anchor. Also shown is a portion of an extendably adjustable
uplift resistance assembly, with an augering guide at its end.
Figure 5 shows an uplift resistance plate on the angering
guide and a thzeaded zod through the center of the uplift
resistance plate with a hexagonal coupling and a pin attached
to one end and shooing a nut threaded onto the rod_ Also
shown .is a hexagonal coupling attached to the auger's kelly
bar and another pin_ Also shown is a short piece of kelly bar
219 3 9 4 8 r~.,v~~»sz~,
with one end inserted into one coupling and its other end
inserted into the augers coupling.
v Referring now to Figure S, the present invention provides
auger 80 ut~.lized as earthen anchors. Auger anchors 80 re-
5 place earthen anchors 57 for installing certain medium size
foundations Which can be installed with or without fins_
Augers 80 are the type of augers which screw into soils 81
without lifting up earthen spoils, i_e., without boring an
earthen hole. Therefare they remain firmly anchored to the
l0 soil 81, i.e., firmly screwed into the soil.
The operator utilizes the onboard boom lift to attach
hydraulic motor 68 (Figure 6) to kelly bar 82 of auger anchor
e0 by means of hexagonal coupling 83 and pin 84. The operator
first verifies the plumb of auger anchor 80 and corrects it if
15 required. The operator then proceeds to drive. i.e_, to screw
auger 80 into the soil by operating hydraulic motor 68 (Figure
6) by means of control levers 16 or by means of the remote
control box.
Conventional auger 80.can be purchased in a plurality of
20 lengths, and they come with hexagonal coupling 83 fattvry
welded to one end of its kelly bar 82. The other end of kelly
bar 82, i.e., the end penetrating into soil 81, can be ordered
yrith a sharp point 86 to facilitate the penetration into the
soil.
25 After auger anchor 80 has been screwed into the soil 81,
the operator disconnects hydraulic motor 68 (Figure 6) from
the auger's kelly bar 82 by removing pin 84 and lifting the
hydraulic motor by means of the onboard boom ~.ift.
Depending on the soil classification from soil test
30 results which are normally available to the operator and
depending on the length of the foundation to be installed, the
operator detezmines the length of auger anchor 80 required to
be screwed into the soil, one for each uplift resistance
assembly 39, to prevent the uplifting of metal foundation
' 2193948
,._ . _ . 31 _
push-it and installation zaachine l~when pressing the founda-
tion into the soil.
After the auger anchors 80 have been screwed into the
soil to the required depth. the hydraulic motor is removed,
and kelly bar extension 87 is attached to hexagonal coupling
83 by means of pin 84. Now the operator attaches threaded rad
91 to kelly bar extension 87 by means of hexagonal coupling 88
welded to the threaded rod and pin 89. Then the operator
places uplift resistance plate 61 over threaded zod~91 by
inserting threaded rod 91 through hole 90, Which ~is in the
center of uplift resistance plate 61. Next the operator
threads in uplift resistance nut 92 until it is well tightened
against uplift resistance plate 61.
Tn this mode, metal foundation push-it and installation
machine 1 is anchored to the soil 81 by means of its two
adjustably extendable uplift resistance assemblies 39 and two
auger anchors 80, one of each side of the machine.
The operator can proceed nou to push the foundation into
the soil Nith respect to the downwardly push from.pushing/aug-
2o Bring carriage 2 provided by a plurality of hydraulic cylin-
ders .exerting their thrust against one or more thrust resis-
tance bars. Thrust exerted by the hydraulic cylinders is
exerted first against the bottom plate of a locked-in-place
frame locked-in against the thrust resistance bars by means of
the frame's locking dog bars. These locking dog bars have the
capability of being moved in/out of their locked-in position
by means of a mechanism powered by hydraulic means_ This
mechanism has the capability of being moved up or down by
hydraulic means to achieve new locked-in positions at lower
levels as the foundation is pushed into the ground. All steps
are controlled by an operator from a set of control levers or
from a remote control box connected to the apparatus by an
umbilical cord.
After the operator has completed pushing the foundation
into the soil, the operator removes auger-anchors 80 by re-
_ _ _____ 2 ~ 9 39 4 8 ~~~'~S95;°'~i'
.~ T 32 -
versing their installations process and with the assistance of
the onboard boom lift. The operator utilizes the hydraulic
' motor for unscrewing the auger-anchors after threaded rod 91,
uplift resistance nut 92, plate 61, and kelly bar extension 87
are removed. The unscrewing of auger anchors 80 is performed
by reversing the rotational direction of the motor's power
shaft 72 by means of control levers 16 or by means of the
remote control box while shaft 72 is attached to the auger
anchor by means of its hexagonal coupling 83 and pin 84_
Figure 7 is an elevation view, partially in section, of
the apparatus of the present invention partially showing its
structural tower in the horizontal position Also shown is the
tower's hydraulic cylinders and the tower's pivoting plate
assembly, safety pin and safety switch. Figure 2 shows a
pushing/augering carriage, mounted on the structural tower and
a partial view of a hydraulic motor mounted on the pushing
augering carriage together with a flexible power track for
bringing hydraulic fluid carrying hoses to the hydraulic motor
on the carriage. In addition, it shows the carriage's lower
pushing plate, sliding back-plate, and reingorcement plates.
Figure 2 shows a winch Nith its cable connected to the pushing
augering carriage and the ~rinch's hydraulic motor. Figure 2
shows one of two hydraulic pumps connected to a diesel engine
for powering the pumps and several hydraulic control levers
and hydraulic fluid carrying hoses. Figure 2 in addition
shows an extendably adjustable uplift resistance assembly with
its adjustably extendable sliding arm in its retracted posi-
tion. Also shown are the truck's front and rear outriggers.
Referring now to Figure 7 and not previously shown on the
preceding Figures, the apparatus's main hydraulic pumps 85 are
powered by diesel engine 51 mounted on the front part of truck
bed 23. A general overview perspective of the metal founda-
tion push-it and installation machine 1 mounted on a truck is
shown in one drawing the apparatus of the present invention
and its major components.
219394$
- 33 -
Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes all
of its.objectives.
. The present invention includes a novel mobile, truck-
mounted metal foundation push-it and installation machine for
'S installing prefabricated, longitudinally-finned, cylindrical
metal foundations into the ground by pushing the metal founda-
tions through pushing forces provided by hydraulic cylinders
mounted on the mobile, truck-mounted metal foundation push-i.t
and installation machine.
The mobile truck-mounted machine can be a tzactor trailer
flatbed truck, e.g. in one embodiment, or can be a vehicle
mounted on rails or tracks.
The present invention includes apparatus and method for
providing a novel metal foundation push-it and installation
15' machine which includes a truck-mounted crane and a tower for
holding a push-it carriage including metal foundation holder
and auger. The novel machine and method of the present inven~
tion augers a hole and installs the metal foundation in one
step as the push-it carriage is pushed toward the ground_
Hydraulic pushing cylinders push against a bar held in
adjustable bar secur~.ng positions on the tower, i.e., the
hydraulic cylinders push against a bar secured to the side
frame of the tower. After the hydraulic cylinders extend to a
maximum extension, the bar can be advanced to a Lower position
in the side frame of the tower, and the hydraulic cylinder
assembly is lowered so that it can~push against the bar in its
lower position,
The present invention includes apparatus and method for
providing a novel metal foundation push-it and installation
machine which includes a truck-mounted second auger used to
drill holes for outboard or satellite anchors or auger anchors
to hold do~.rn the truck when the foundation is pushed into the
ground. The second auger can suing laterally to dig a left or
right side outboard or satellite anchor hole. A truck-mounted
extensible satellite anchoz angering guide and anchor struc-
CA 02193948 2005-12-16
- 39 -
aural support extends and retracts on both sides of the truck.
The present invention includes apparatus and method for
providing a novel metal foundation push-it and installation '
machine and method which do not use or require a preliminary
S and separate angering step, a separate crane to move the
foundation into position or to move the hydraulic pushing
mechanism into position, or a central anchor inside the four-
dation.
Although the invention has been illustrated by the pre=
ceding actual examples, it is not to be construed as being
limited to the materials or procedures employed therein.
Whereas particular embodiments of the invention have been
described.in detail hereinabove, for purposes of illustration,
it trill be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous
variations of the details may be made without departing from
the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The apparatus and process of the present invention are
not limited to the descriptions of specific embodiments pre-
sented hereinabove. but rather should be viewed in terms of
the claims that follow and equivalents thereof. Further,
Nhile the invention has been described in conjunction with
several such specific embodiments, it is to be understood that
many alternati~res, modifications, and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the azt in light of the foregoing
detailed descriptions. Accordingly, this invention is in-
tended to embrace alI such alternatives, modifications, and
variations Which fall within the spirit and scope of the
appended claims.
